NEIL LENNON can relax and enjoy his summer holidays as Hotline callers are holding the fort by drawing up a wishlist of signings for next season.

The Celtic boss has been told to make a move for Dundee United’s Johnny Russell as well as a few others.

The Hoops launched a late bid to nab Russell last night just as the striker looked set to join Derby – and fans are hoping he ends up at Parkhead.

Bob McAllister, Newmarket , said: “Russell is a bargain at £750,000 and should be snapped up by Celtic before he ends up going to Derby.

“Lennon knows the Celtic fans want the Dundee United striker.”

Jimmy Findlay, Lennoxtown , said: “I hope Russell signs for Celtic as we have seen enough young talent heading south of the border.

“It may be different if he was moving to a huge club but I would hardly call Derby a giant so I will be delighted if comes to Parkhead.”

Paul Egan, Glasgow , said: “Celtic need to strengthen their attacking options for the Champions League qualifiers, especially if Gary Hooper leaves. Russell and Leigh Griffiths would be two great signings and they would both be bargains.”

Not everyone is so keen on Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne, another Celtic signing target.

James Mills, Cambuslang, said: “Dunne for Celtic? I can’t believe that. We would better off with Clive Dunn as he is more mobile than Richard and Clive is no longer with us.”

There was a bit of tit for tat among the callers.

Russ Keiller, Dunbar , said: “I must reply to Andrew Lamb of Fraserburgh who said the SPL is on a par with the English Championship.

“Some people just don’t realise how far Scottish football has sunk. Apart from Celtic, SPL teams would struggle in League One in England never mind the Championship.”

Arthur Parker, Torrance , said: “I’m saddened to see Rangers interim chief executive Craig Mather using the same threatening language as his predecessor Charles Green. It’s pathetic for him to say he will get the people who have hurt Rangers when the time is right.

“Once again the Ibrox club’s problems are everyone else’s fault.”

Martin Graham, Springburn , said: “Ally McCoist has always managed to perfect the art of good timing and the appointment of Walter Smith as chairman is a point in case. The Ibrox boss has been an unmitigated disaster during his time in charge and anyone else would have been bagged long ago.

“Now his job security is assured as I just can’t see Walter showing his old pal the door.”

Bob Johnstone, Kilmarnock, said: “I don’t believe Walter will be a long-term chairman of Rangers as he will become restless and still has unfinished business in coaching. He has far too much to offer and is still only 65.

“He also won’t be able to remove Coisty if things go wrong next season so it’s not an arrangement which will work out.”

Steven Elder, Glasgow , said: “Croatia are talking down to Scotland as though we are a Luxembourg or San Marino and we must make sure the last laugh’s on them. We may have nothing to play for as far as qualifying for the World Cup is concerned but there is a great deal of national pride at stake.”

Craig Burns, Troon , said: “Gordon Strachan should make sure the Scotland players do their talking on the park by showing Croatia we are a much better side than the table suggests.

“Our game needs a shot in the arm and I have a funny feeling it could happen on Friday night.”

And finally, Paul Walker, Paisley , said: “I’m thrilled St Mirren have signed Gary Harkins as he’s one of the SPL’s most under-rated players. But I had to laugh at Paul McGowan’s decision to sign a new deal after saying it was for family reasons. It’s obvious the expected move to the Championship just didn’t materialise.”